December 16-31 Profiles in Catholicism

A Message from the Editor

Politics affect immigration policies globally. But in the United States, immigration policies are based on racism. The heinous crime of separating children from their parents creates irreparable psychological harm to these children. Our silence in response to this crime implicitly makes us an accomplice.

Special Prayer

A Prayer for Migrant Children

Good Lord, who said “Whoever receives one of these little ones, receives me,” bless the little ones who are caught in the struggle of migration, separation, and abuse. Give all those adults who are responsible for them and for their welfare the wisdom and courage to do the children justice and to protect them. Make our hearts more, loving and willing to do the right thing by them. May we see in all people young and old your image and so reverence their great dignity. We make our prayer through you who came among us as a child and who was forced to flee the threat of violence Amen

by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism

A Quote to Remember

“The Church is Mother, and her motherly attention is expressed with special tenderness and closeness to those who are obliged to flee their own country and exist between rootlessness and integration. This tension destroys people. Christian compassion—this ‘suffering with’ compassion—is expressed first of all in the commitment to obtain knowledge of the events that force people to leave their homeland, and where necessary, to give voice to those who cannot manage to make their cry of distress and oppression heard. They are all elements that dehumanize and must push every Christian and the whole community to concrete attention.”

by Pope Francis

Interviews

• Dino Carbetta

• Kelly Dobbs-Mickus

• David J. Inczauskis, S.J.

• Juanita Shanks

• Raphaël Vongsuravatana

General Articles/Commentaries

• A Catholic Sheriff Dimes Out His Own Parish to the White House on Immigration. by Brian Fraga Patheos Link to United State Immigration Challenges

• Injustice at the Border, .The suffering of migrants and refugees on the border cannot be forgotten. Nor can the Trump administration’s deliberate cruelty toward them. by The Editors Commonweal

• One of the Most Rewarding Things I Have Ever Done, ” - Community Sponsorship of Refugees in Ireland

by Francesca Pierigh International Catholic Migration Commission

Link to Ireland Immigration Challenges

• Pope tells Jesuits he is 'scandalized' by anti-migrant rhetoric

by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service/Chicago Catholic

Link to General Immigration Challenges

• Border Bishops Celebrate Posadas with Migrants at Mexican Shelter by Catholic News Agency/National Catholic Register Link to Mexico Immigration Challenges

• Pope Francis: It's injustice that causes migrants to die at sea by Lydia O'Kane Vatican News

• How the Migration Diaspora Contributes to Developing Their Countries of Origin by Abigail Maristela International Migration Commission

• The loudest opponent of Italy’s new anti-migrant policy? The Catholic Church. by Chico Harlan and Stefano Pitrelli The Washington Post Link to Italy Immigration Challenges

• Call for More Humane, Transparent and Effective Resources for Asylum, Migration and Integration in the EU by International Catholic Migration Commission

• Catholics Mark Anniversary of Child’s Death at Border

by The Tablet

Link to Separation of Children from their Parents

• Inhumane Treatment of Children at Our Nation's Border

by Catherine McCall MS, LMFT Psychology Today

• Reflection: Loving the Stranger by Angela Godfrey-Goldstein Independent Catholic News

Featured Report

• For what do they live and die? by Father Shay Cullen. Profiles in Catholicism

• The Saving of Juan for a Life of Dignity by Father Shay Cullen UCANews.com

• Philippines: Twenty two injured in bombing outside cathedral

by Independent Catholic News

Link to War/Terrorism/Genocide

• A University of Cambridge research project takes a frank look at clericalism and sexuality by America Link to Clericalism

• This Eucharistic host was filmed bleeding and pulsating like a heart on fire by Philip Kosloski Aleteia

• Curtailed Study on Abortion Pill Reversal is Misleading, Pro-Life Group Says by Catholic News Agency/National Catholic Register Link to Abortion

• Remembering Sandy Hook and All by Redbud Writers Guild Patheos Link to Gun Violence

• Jersey City attack was 'fueled' by anti-Semitism

by David Porter and Michael R. Sisak Religion News Service

Link to Antisemitism’

• Community and prayer sustain sisters helping victims of trafficking

by Soli Salgado Global Sisters Report

Link to Human Trafficking

• Bruce Springsteen says Donald Trump doesn’t know what it means to be American

by IrishCentral Staff IrishCentral

• Cardinal tours troubled region of Central African Republic to promote peace

by Crux Staff Crux

Link to African Challenges

• 250 journalists imprisoned worldwide during 2019 by Vatican News Link to Media

• Peruvian law being ‘weaponized’ against journalists, watchdog group says by Elise Harris Crux

• Leo Tolstoy on Finding Meaning in a Meaningless World by Maria Popova Brain Pickings

• Talking with an atheist friend about justice by Mark Shea Patheos

• Photographer putting Dublin's homeless people in the picture

by Aoife Moore Irish Examiner

• Vatican official: I’d ‘hold hand’ of person dying from assisted suicide

by Inés San Martín Crux

Link to Suicide/Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia

• Former Giants chaplain subject of the latest sex abuse lawsuit

by Abbott Koloff and Deena Yellin Bergen Record

Link to Sexual Violence Against Women

• Acclaimed Atheist Poet Embraces the Faith

by Brian Kelly Catholicism.org

Link to Spirituality and Poetry

• Cultivating virtue through sports

by Patti Maguire Armstrong Our Sunday Visitor

Link to Sports and Spirituality

• Christian brother beatified on Guatemalan soccer fields by David Agren Catholic News Service/The Arlington Catholic Herald

• ‘You keep loving each other’: A window into dementia at the end of a lifelong partnership by Aliss Ambrosa Stat Link to Dementia​

• Blood and Brexit by Nick Laird New York Review of Books

• Cardinal Koch: the Gospel must incorporate and purify culture by Hannah Brockhaus Catholic News Agency Link to Cardinal Kurt Koch

• What lies beneath all the criticism of Pope Francis? by Kevin Clarke US Catholic

• Vatican Uses Donations for the Poor to Plug Its Budget Deficit by Francis X. Rocca The Wall Street Journal

• Did ‘Thousands’ of Women Die from Illegal Abortions Before Roe v. Wade? WaPo Says No by Mary Farrow CNA/National Catholic Register Link to Abortion

• Wife and Mother of Four Describes Experience of Possession, Exorcism by Terese Piccola National Catholic Register

Link to Exorcism and Satanism

• Nuns' retreat house, built by Muslim benefactor, signifies interfaith bond by Charity Durano Global Sisters Report Link to Catholic/Muslim Challenges

• The Afghanistan Papers. A secret history of the war'At war with the truth by Craig Whitlock The Washington Post Link to War/Terrorism/Genocide

• Italian exorcist says society risks collapse due to ‘aggressive Satanism’

by Elise Harris Crux

• Is a Catholic ‘Victims’ Rights’ movement the next frontier in abuse reform? by John L. Allen Jr. Crux

• Vatican calls Greta Thunberg ‘great witness’ of Church’s environmental teaching by Elise Harris Crux Link to Environment Challenges

• A.I. could bring a sea change in how people experience religious faith by CathNews Link to Artificial Intelligence

• Fox News Is Now a Threat to National Security by Wired

• “First, You Have to Do These Things I Say”: Inside Roger Ailes’s Twisted Game of Mind Control by Alisyn Camerota Vanity Fair

• A Lesson Learned From Washing Lepers in Burma

by Angelo Stagnaro National Catholic Register

Link to Leprosy

• A Black Convert Saves Judaism in Small-Town Indiana by Gabby Deutch Tablet

• Is Another Dose of Peronism the Cure for Macri Economics? by David Rieff NYR Daily

• Priest, ex-spokesman for 9 Indian dioceses, arrested, accused of fraud by Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter

• Liverpool soccer star gives back to village in Senegal by Zelda Caldwell Aleteia

• Bishop Kome of Cameroon says Human Rights have been Violated based on Report and calls for More Freedom

by Catholic News World

• Fire destroys New Jersey church; suspected arsonist arrested by Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter

• Here's the Pentagon's Terrifying Plan for Cyborg Supersoldiers.The U.S. military wants soldiers that have superhuman eyesight, controllable augmented muscles that turn untrained novices into expert killers, and more. by Matthew Gault Vice Link to US Military and Veterans

• Why Pope Francis’ Appointment of Cardinal Tagle Is Significant by Father Raymond J. de Souza National Catholic Register

• Prison art teacher’s memoir weaves family, poetry, and vocation by Heather King Crux/Angelus Link to Prison Challenges

• Study links frozen embryo transfer to higher childhood cancer risk by Jen Christensen CNN Link to Cancer

• NCCN Patient Advocacy Summit closes gaps in perspective of value in cancer care

by Kate Anderton, News Medical

• The shrink and the spiritual director: Freud and the Jesuits by Adam A.J. Deville America Link to The Society of Jesus

• New York City Paid McKinsey Millions to Stem Jail Violence. Instead, Violence Soared.

by Ian MacDougal ProPublica

Link to General Violence Challenges

• We need to take the threat of nuclear arms more seriously

by The Editors America

Link to Nuclear Challenges

• Catholic Action League Rebukes Jimmy Kimmel

by Joe Doyle Catholicism.org

• Why Aren’t White Mothers Being Blamed for the Opioid Crisis Like Black Mothers During the Crack Epidemic? by Dr. Sam Kline Patheos Link to Substance Use/Addiction

• Richard Rodriguez and the Browning of America

by Eilas Crim Patheos

• Vatican calls Greta Thunberg ‘great witness’ of Church’s environmental teaching

by Elise Harris Angelus

Link to Environment Challenges

• As COP25 ends, huge work needed to make next climate summit a success by Independent Catholic News

• Catholic climate groups vow to maintain pressure after COP25 failures by Catholic news Service/The Pilot

• Food, Shelter, and Clothing are Basic Human Rights

by Fr. Matthew Schneider Patheos

Link to Human Rights

• Fire destroys New Jersey church; suspected arsonist arrested

by Catholic News Service/National Catholic Reporter

• Is the Irish housing and homeless crisis changing Irish society itself? by Cahir O'Doherty IrishCentral Link to Homeless

• Expert reveals ‘secret sauce’ of Catholic schools: Equality of every child before God by Christopher White Crux Link to Catholic Schools

• A reader writes about our bizarre medical system for punishing the sick by Mark Shea Patheos

• The Strange Death of Social-Democratic England by Matt Seaton NYR Daily

• Spanish priest apologizes for calling feminists a ‘herd of sows’

by Inés San Martín Crux

Link to Women's Challenges

• Catholics Should Lead on Banning Porn by Patrick Reilly National Catholic Register Link to Pornography Challenges

• Trigger Happy by Jenn Riley Patheos

• Pope urged to apologise for Vatican castrations by Rory Carroll The Guardian

• Meet the Knight of Columbus who is bringing more than clean water to Guatemalans by Andrew Butler Catholic News Service/America

• Pope tells his elderly peers the prayers of the old are powerful

by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service/The Pilot

• Exorcists condemn children’s demon book as seductive, dangerous

by Elise Harris Crux

• Northern Ireland bishops say ‘unjust’ abortion law requires ‘conscientious objection’ by Charles Collins Crux

• Rabbi Celebrates 54 Years in the NYPD by Emily Drooby New Evangelization Television

• Illinois Mandated Reporter Changes: Clergy, Child Care Workers, and Other Mandated Reporters by Wagenmaker & Oberly

• How Bad is Tech Use for Kids, Really? by Nir Eyal Pocket Link to Children Outreach/Protection

• The Art of Dying. I always said that when my time came I’d want to go fast. But where’s the fun in that? by Peter Schjeldahl The New Yorker Link to End of Life

• On the Edges of Empire .Guadalupe and the Story of America by Timothy Matovina Commonweal

• The Editors on the Question of Impeachment

by The Editors America

• A Rap on Race: Margaret Mead and James Baldwin’s Rare Conversation on Forgiveness and the Difference Between Guilt and Responsibility by Maria Popova Brain Pickings Link to Forgiveness and to Racial Challenges

• Reflections on the Priesthood by Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, S.T.D. Catholic Exchange Link to Priestly Reflections

• My son was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. Not knowing earlier was a blessing. by Monica Hembd America Link to Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

• One Man’s Challenge A Divided Life by Michael Naughton Those Catholic Men

• Digital Privacy Is a Class Issue. As corporations mine data and monetize the web, the divide between rich and poor on the Internet grows wider. by Lizzie O' Shea The New Republic

• Intergenerational Friendships: 3 Tips for Stepping Outside Your Age Bracket When Making Friends by Teresa Coda Busted Halo

• Argentina bishops criticize new government’s decree liberalizing abortion by Inés San Martín Crux

• Buffalo Bills’ Offensive Lineman Centered on Christ by Trent Beattie National Catholic Register

• The ‘Holy Angels’ mural heralds the Gospel and one Chicago church‘s vibrant history by Leo J. O’Donovan, S.J. America Link to Spirituality and Art

• Helping the Homeless Population During Natural Disasters by Eastern Kentucky University

• How to Think about “Implicit Bias”.Amidst a controversy, it’s important to remember that implicit bias is real—and it matters. by Keith Payne, Laura Niemi and John M. Doris Scientific American

• North Ireland Bishops call new abortion law unjust

by Fr Michael McGinnity Vatican News

• My Son, Eric Patterson, Killed Himself Because a Catholic Priest Sexually Abused Him

by Janet Patterson CNS News

• The church needs to listen to Catholic feminists by Douglas J. Cremer America

• Impeachment: Catholic Experts Weigh In by Lauretta Brown National Catholic Register

• Cardinal tainted by abuse scandals steps down as dean, pope sets term limit

by Elise Harris Crux

• Ready, Set, Trump: Big-Money Faith, Football, and Forgiveness at Jerry Falwell Jr.’s Liberty University by Jordan Ritter Conn The Ringer

• NFL kicker's friendship with teammate strengthens faith by Catholic News Service/Angelus

• Police are killing poor civilians in Brazil’s favelas. The church offers protection. by Eduardo Campos Lima America

• The Vatican-Centurion Global financial scandal: A CNA explainer by Michelle La Rosa Catholic News Agency Link to Financial Crimes

• The Spiritual, Reductionist Consciousness of Christof Koch. What the neuroscientist is discovering is both humbling and frightening him. by Steve Paulson Pocket Worthy

• Bill aims to open lawsuit window for adult sex abuse suits by Ryan Tarinelli Associated Press

• Two 2019 strike anniversaries recall Christian role in Canada’s labor movement by Dean Dettloff America

Please support one of our organizations and people who need help

• Please send a donation for help save the life of my close friend Alwin Rex in India. Please read the article How do we love our neighbor as ourselves? and send a donation of $10.00 or more to help cover his healthcare costs to Father Thomas Ayyaneth, Syro Malankara Catholic Eparchial Chancery,1500 DePaul Street, Elmont, New York 11003, USA with a notation that the donation is for Alwin Rex. Father Thomas will process donations and send them to his pastor. Thank you Gordon Nary, Editor, Profiles in Catholicism

• Donation request for mentally retarded children in India When Children are Set Free by Father Shay Cullen Preda Foundation

Book Reviews/Commentaries

• Modernity as Apocalypse: Sacred Nihilism and the Counterfeits of Logos by Thaddeus H Kozinski Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profies in Catholicism

• The Election of Pope Francis by Gerard O'Connell Reviewed by Donald Cozzens National Catholic Reporter

• NEWMAN a short biography by Fr Michael Collins Reviewed by Fr John Buckley Independent Catholic News

• Anne Hope: The Struggle for Freedom by Stephanie Kilroe Reviewed by Mary E. Hunt National Catholic Reporter

• Slaves Among Us: The Hidden World of Human Trafficking by Monique Villa Reviewed by Rebecca Tinsley Independent Catholic News

• A New Era of Cyberwar and the Hunt for the Kremlin’s Most Dangerous Hackers by Andy Greenberg Reviewed by Sue Halpern New York Review of Books

• The Madness of Crowds by Douglas Murray Reviewed by Anne Kennedy Patheos

• The Bear by Andrew Krivak Reviewed by Cynthia-Marie Marmo O'Brien America

• Living with the Gods by Neil MacGregor Reviewed by Mphuthumi Ntabeni Spotlight Africa

• Broken Bodies by Karen O'Donnell Reviewed by Megan K. McCabe America

• The Catholic Writer Today by Dana Gioia Reviewed by Liam Callanan America

Film Reviews/Commentaries

• 1917 Reviewed by Bill McGarvey America

• Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton Commentary by Matt Moran Independent Catholic News

• The Rise of Skywalker Commentary by Sean Fitzpatrick The Catholic World Report

• Dark Water Commentary by Phil Fox Rose Patheos

• Knives Out Reviewed by Eve Tushnet America

• The Hole in the Ground Reviewed by IrishCentral Staff IrishCentral

• Hidden Life Commentary by Claire Giangravé Religion News Service

• Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood Commentary by John Anderson America

• Just Mercy

Commentary by Mark Pattison Catholic News Agency /The Pilot

• ACROSS: The Father Tolton Movie

Commentary by Perry West Catholic News Agency/Angelus

• Richard Jewell

Commentary by Kate O'Hare Patheos

Television Reviews/Commentaries

• The Crown (Season 3)

Reviewed by Bill McCormick, SJ The Jesuit Post

• Watchmen

Commentary by Jim McDermott America

Theater Reviews/Commentaries

• The Gospel of John

Reviewed by Rob Weinert-Kendt America

Feasting with the Saints

• January 06 Twelfth Night (Epiphany)

Prayers

A Prayer for Those Who Have Suffered Abuse by the Clergy

God, in your providential love you comfort those who are wounded and afflicted.

Hear our prayers for those who have suffered abuse by those in their families or by those entrusted with their care. In a special way, we pray for those who suffered abuse by clergy who betrayed a sacred trust and who were meant to stand for your loving presence in their lives. May those who have been hurt find support and encouragement in communities of faith, hope, and love. May they discover healing in genuinely loving and caring relationship. May they reclaim hope for themselves. May they be strengthened and confirmed in their resolve to set things aright. May they rest in you who make all things work for the good. Amen by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism

I Am Becoming a Catholic

He called me...At first it was a tiny call and I said:

"Well I am listening" He called again and again I said:

"I am listening"

Sometimes His voice is strong and clear,

other times I can hardly hear Him,

Sometimes He calls me when I am looking at a beautiful sunset,

Sometimes He calls me when I am helping to serve the homeless,

sometimes He calls me when I am out to dinner with friends.

I am still listening

He wants me to follow Him now and always.

He wants me to follow Him in joy and solitude.

He wants me to follow Him when others are in need.

He wants me to follow Him when I have chosen to hurt Him

and then say I am sorry.

He is after me night and day.

He is after me at the dawn of a new day.

He is after me when daylight disappears.

His never ending loving call is for ME!

I want to belong to Him and His Church.

I want His presence to become stronger in my everyday life.

I want Him to love me now and forever.

I say YES and again YES.

He hugs me with a strong embrace.

He and I are together with the rest of His followers.Now and forever. by Holy Name RC(A Committee Profiles in Catholicism

A Prayer to End Gun Violence

Lord Jesus, as you approached the city of Jerusalem, Before your passion,As your people waved palms in your honor, You saw the city and wept over it because you Loved it.

You knew of the violence and chaos you would suffer In that beloved city still you loved it and wept over it. Lord Jesus, look upon our cities, weep over them, Love them and protect them. Weep over us and strengthen us as we suffer Violence and chaos. Weep over us and love us. Lord Jesus, weep over us and love us. (See Lk 19) by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M.. Profiles in Catholicism

Videos

Mother Asked Why She Didn't Have Abortion, Answer Touches Hearts of Her Critics - Erika Kurre

Discerning your Vocation?

Cancer and Faith: The Spiritual Graces and Challenges of Physical Suffering

HE DIED AND MET GOD, AND HE WASN'T READY. The incredible near-death experience of Fr. Rick Wendell